Webster Public Relations has reported that Bonnie Brown Ring, one-third of one of Country Music's most enduring family groups as a member of The Browns, passed away on July 16th at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas following complications from lung cancer. She was 77 years old.
Born July 31, 1938 in Sparkman, Arkansas, Brown became enamored with music at an early age - thanks to the exposure she had to it from watching her older siblings, Maxine and James Edward. The two performed together, earning a hit in 1954 with "Looking Back To See." Upon her graduation from high school, Bonnie joined her siblings, expanding their duet into a trio. They began performing together on The Louisiana Hayride on KWKH in Shreveport, which led to appearances on ABC-TV's Ozark Jubilee. Chet Atkins and RCA came calling soon after, and the Browns found themselves on the chart with hits such as "I Take The Chance" and "I Heard The Bluebirds Sing." James Edward (now known as Jim Ed) was drafted in 1957, but the trio still managed to find time to record when he was on leave. By 1959, the group recorded what would turn out to be one of the biggest hits of the era in "The Three Bells." The song topped theBillboard Country charts - their first, and also crossed over to the apex of the Hot 100. The exposure of that hit led to appearances on every major variety series of the day, such as The Ed Sullivan Show. With her southern charm and stunning looks, Brown attracted the attention of many of the hottest male artists of the day, including Elvis Presley. The hits continued, with "Scarlet Ribbons," "The Old Lamplighter," and "Then I'll Stop Loving You" all being showcases for their rich harmonies, where Bonnie sang the high harmony parts. The Grand Ole Opry came calling in 1963, inviting The Browns to become members.Videos